Laos
January 30th

“I will be with you, Laos, worship God!”

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”(Exodus 3:12,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent ｜ Southeast Asia
Population ｜ 7.75 million
Area ｜ 236,800㎢ Located in the interior of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.
Capital City ｜ Vientiane (700,000 people)
People Groups | Total 126 groups Lao 47.2%, Khmu 10%, Hong Dau 5.5%, Phu Thai 3.1%, Hong Niua 3%, Lao Phuan 2%, Thai 2%
People Groups Unreached | 96 (75.7% of the population)
Official Language(s) |  Lao
Total Languages | 98 Bible Translations | Completed 16, New Testament 12, Partial 14
Religion | Christianity 3.7% (Protestant 2.4%), Buddhism 59.9%, Ethnic religion 32%, Non-religious 4.2% Evangelical 2.5% 200,000 people

》 About Laos

Laos‘ recorded history began in 1353 with the founding of the Lan Xang Kingdom, which influenced areas as far as Cambodia and Thailand for 300 years. However, by the late 18th century, Lan Xang had declined, and Laos fell under Siamese (Thai) rule until the late 19th century. In 1893, Laos became a French protectorate, and by the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907, Laos was separated from Thailand, creating its current borders. Laos gained full independence from France in 1953. After independence, political conflict between left-wing, right-wing, and neutral factions led to civil war. Foreign powers got involved, with the U.S. supporting the right-wing and Vietnam backing the left-wing. In 1975, after Vietnam and Cambodia became communist, the leftist Pathet Lao took over, ending 600 years of monarchy and declaring Laos a people’s republic. Since then, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has maintained a one-party communist rule, with strong ties to neighboring communist countries like Vietnam and China, which hold significant political and economic influence. The current president, Thongloun Sisoulith, has been in office since 2021 for a five-year term.

Laos’ Economy; 18% of the population lives in poverty, but since 1986, economic reforms have encouraged private businesses, leading to rapid growth, with an annual average of over 7% in the past decade. Agriculture accounts for 20% of GDP and employs about 73% of the workforce, while the economy relies heavily on capital-intensive exports of natural resources. Foreign investment in projects like hydropower dams on the Mekong River, mining (copper and gold), logging, and construction has brought in substantial revenue, though these activities have been criticized for environmental harm. Large-scale infrastructure projects, like China’s investment in high-speed rail, have also brought capital to Laos. However, government debt has risen steadily since 2016, causing annual deficits of around 4–5% of GDP. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly hurt the tourism industry, leading to a sharp decline in jobs. Other ongoing challenges for Laos’ economy include limited skilled labor, a small domestic market, corruption, excessive regulations, and issues like drug trafficking and addiction. Laos’ GDP per capita is approximately $7,800

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Even though the constitution of Laos guarantees freedom of religion, the government and the powerful influence of Buddhist monks make it nearly impossible for Christian activities to thrive. Christians, who make up 3.7% of the population, face strict government surveillance and are often rejected by their families and communities. Many villages do not allow churches to be built, and house churches are often blocked from growing. It is hard for Christians to find jobs since most employment comes from the government, which makes it difficult for believers to earn a living. Christians are often denied access to healthcare, education, and welfare services, and sometimes they are even arrested and detained for up to a week. Despite these hardships, the number of believers continues to grow, and their faith remains strong.
The government has forced many churches to merge, and it only officially recognizes two Protestant groups: the Lao Evangelical Church (LEC) and the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA). While the LEC has grown significantly, the leadership has become more authoritarian.
Let us pray that churches in Laos will rely on the presence of Jesus, especially during persecution. May they boldly proclaim the gospel, so that Laos can worship and serve God.

2. Foreign missionaries are not allowed to enter Laos with missionary visas. Instead, they come in through aid, development projects, technical training, and English teaching, and secretly spread the gospel and make disciples. Though trained pastors are rare in Lao churches, the LEC runs Bible school programs and extends theological education (TEE) to believers.
Let us pray for more foreign missionaries who feel a strong calling, like Moses did, to come to Laos, spread the gospel, and teach the truth. Also, pray that the Lao churches will understand God’s heart for missions and will spread the gospel to other ethnic groups and nations.

3. The Khmu people make up 10% of the population, and about 10% of them are Christians. Other smaller groups, such as the Hmong Daw and Hmong Nyuas, have around 4% Christian populations. Even though they are a minority, we pray that they will become lights and examples, spreading the gospel to their own people and throughout Laos.
The Lao people, who make up over 47% of the population, live mostly in cities along the Mekong River, including Vientiane, and dominate the country’s politics, economy, and society. We pray that the gospel will reach the Lao people, leading to their salvation and transforming the nation. We also pray that they will share the Good News with other ethnic groups.
Just as God shared the gospel with Abraham, making him the father of many nations, let’s pray that God will bring the gospel to all the people of Laos, so they can receive the blessings of faith and become channels for spreading the gospel to others.

》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!